Phang-nga tour operators boycott visits to Similan-Surin islands to protest against new restrictions

[webfact]

Phang-nga tour operators boycott visits to Similan-Surin islands to protest against new restrictions

 

 

About 50 tour operators in the southern province of Phang-nga have agreed to suspend boat trips to Similan-Surin islands in the Andaman sea for Monday and Tuesday to protest against the decision of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation to limit the number of visitors to 3,850 a day, including 525 scuba divers.

 

The limitation of visitors will come into force on when the two islands reopen to tourists after several months of closure during the monsoon season.

 

Besides the limitation of visitors, overnight stay on the islands is also not permitted. Tour operators met on Sunday at the multi-purpose hall of Ban Tap Lamu in Thai Muang district of Phang-nga to discuss the new restrictions which they opposed.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/phang-nga-tour-operators-boycott-visits-to-similan-surin-islands-to-protest-against-new-restrictions/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2018-10-15

[keith101]

Do they want a sustainable industry or a possible permanent closure due to there greed , they could possibly increase their prices to compensate the loss of customers .

[Deli]

This is all about the cheap snorkeling trips for the Chinese, killing the reefs. Thousands have been taken out every day to the islands. But not only.

Every morning the death trap caravan from Phuket to Tab Lamu was clogging the road and they were racing like maniacs, same thing back in the afternoon.

Pollution, waste, dirt allover the harbor. Just hope the Government won't row back in this case and keeps the still even too high quota for the speed boats

[Ulic]

Seems like they are willing to cut off their noses to spite their face. Up to them. Less stress on the environment of the island.

[BEngBKK]

Chinese tourist will be excepted......

[Classic Ray]

Typical dog in the manger attitude, they will be the ones losing money and the islands will be recovering, a win-win situation. Hopefully a lot of companies will go out of business to leave tourism at a sustainable level.

[AhFarangJa]

Good news, well done the operators. Now I have one more suggestion for them.....make it permanent, then, just maybe, Thailand will one day see the beauty of those islands as they once used to be before the money grabbing, gouging, tour operators and their hangers on descended. 

[fdimike]

It's all about money and greedy tour boat operators.  The government needs to stand firm on this issue or suffer the consequences of destroying the reefs and surrounding waters.